Sikjangsan Mountain

Kkwaekkori-bong · Guksabong · Doksuri-bong · Summit 4 Peaks Loop Playbook

Sikjangsan Mountain Summit and Majestic Mountain Scenery / Majestic natural landscape of Sikjangsan mountain peaks and ridges
Sikjangsan Mountain Playbook

Sikjangsan Mountain Hiking Playbook

A guide to Sikjangsan National Park, one of South Korea's best mountains. Provides detailed hiking trails and course information with real-world maps.

Photo byJeong Gyusong Nui MALAMA/pexels
Total Distance 10.4km
Estimated Time 4.5~5.5h
Highest Point 598m
Kkwaekkori-bong, Guksabong, Doksuri-bong, Summit 4 Peaks
Out-and-Back Loop type
Ridge and Viewpoint Diverse views
Difficulty

Course Flow

Starting PointKkwaekkori-bong 479mGuksabong 511mDoksuri-bong Peak 587mSikjangsan Mountain 598mOut-and-Back

Elevation Profile

Kkwaekkori-bong 479mGuksabong 511mDoksuri-bong Peak 587mSikjangsan Mountain 598m

This course is a loop-type route connecting four representative peaks in the Sikjangsan Mountain area at once. The distinct changes in peaks relative to the distance make it less boring. Although the altitude increases towards the latter half, overall, it is suitable for a medium-distance day hike.

Sectional Route Guide

1
Starting Point → Kkoekkori-bong Peak
Early Warm-up First Peak 479m

The initial section involves establishing a rhythm as you head towards Kkoekkori-bong Peak, the first peak. Since your body is not fully warmed up, aligning your breathing is more important than pushing for speed.

Avoiding overexertion from the start will make the later sections much more comfortable.
2
Kkwaekkori-bong → Guksabong
Peak connection 511m

After Cheotbong Peak, the trail follows the ridge to Guksabong Peak. This section involves repeated ascents and descents, making it easy to accumulate fatigue.

Even on short ascents and descents, reducing your stride can conserve energy.
3
Guksabong → Doksuri-bong
Mid-to-late key section 587m

Doksuri-bong Peak is a section where both the view and atmosphere come alive, making it feel like the core ridge. The altitude also increases by one level, so you may easily get out of breath.

Fatigue begins to accumulate from this section, so it's best not to miss opportunities for hydration and snacks.
4
Doksuri-bong Peak → Sikjangsan Mountain Summit → Descent
Highest Point 598m Loop Hike Completion

After reaching the highest point on Sikjangsan Mountain summit, the hike concludes with a return to the starting point. The descent after the summit can lead to slips or significant knee fatigue if you are not careful.

At the summit, after checking the view, monitor the wind and your body temperature, and maintain focus during the descent.

Introduction to the 4 Peaks

Preparation & Gear

  • Water 1L or more
  • Trail Food
  • Convenient with trekking poles

Operation Tips

  • Early Pace Control
  • Snack time before Doksuri-bong Peak
  • Focus on descent after the summit

Caution

  • Ups and downs between peaks
  • Accumulated Fatigue in the Latter Half
  • Knee Strain During Descent

Course Map

Starting PointKkwaekkori-bongGuksabongDoksuri-bong PeakSikjangsan Mountain SummitDashed line: Loop descent/return flow

Checkpoint Table

1
Starting Point Starting Point
Elevation Lowland Cumulative Loop Start
Amenities: Out-and-back operation
2
Kkwaekkori-bong Landmark
Elevation 479m Cumulative Cheotbong Peak
Amenities: Establishing Early Rhythm
3
Guksabong Landmark
Elevation 511m Cumulative Second Peak
Amenities: Ridge Connection
4
Doksuri-bong Peak Summit
Elevation 587m Cumulative Key Point in the Latter Half
Amenities: Viewpoint
5
Sikjangsan Mountain Summit Summit
Elevation 598m Cumulative Highest Point
Amenities: 4 Peaks Completed
6
Return Descent End Point
Elevation Descent Cumulative End of the Loop Traverse
Amenities: Caution: Knee fatigue